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B17 SLT OPEN MEETING MARCH 10TH 2018 REPORT

(MANAGING THE NEXT PHASE)

As usual the aim of this open meeting was to appraise the membership and guests of project progress and successes, explaining and discussing any concerns and to share with them plans and ideas for the future. This was achieved by both formal and interactive presentations by the directors on various topics. This was followed by a brief lunch break and then a presentation by a guest speaker.

The directors were pleased to report an increase in both membership numbers and revenue resulting from this and additional public donations for both general income and the Spoke in My Wheel appeal.

The static chassis build is reaching its final stages with all but one (requiring rework) of the remaining frame stays at Llangollen ready for assembly. The Trust have also contracted with a new independent assessor, Ricardo Rail of Derby, who have completed what proved to be a successful initial audit of the engineering activities of the Trust and Langollen Engineering giving us confidence in the way that we conduct our design and manufacturing processes. In the period of review the Trust has also initiated the work to specify and cost the boiler design and manufacture

In September the Trust undertook a major event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the inaugural run of the East Anglian Express between London Liverpool Street and Norwich This involved simultaneous events at both termini and at Ipswich that were well supported by members, railway staff and the travelling public.

Members were also made aware of internal audit results that required some changes to our working practices on the management of the Trust including what was necessary to be compliant with the replacement for the Data Protection Act, now to be known as the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

The directors then held an interactive session with the members discussing proposals and options on how to increase income to fund the next stage of the design and build. From these discussions the directors will now prepare new fund raising initiatives and review membership terms and conditions for the future.

After what was a very busy first session lunch was taken and then we all relaxed and enjoyed a photographic presentation by Ivan Finbow on railways of East Anglia in the 1950's including several photos of B17's in action before people started on their homeward journeys.

2018 Rail Art Calendar

The January Illustration of Malcolm Root's 2018 Rail Art Calendar features ''Sandringham at Home'' a view of pioneer B17 61600 on a passenger train at Royal station Wolferton.

Other illustrations in the area which B17s operated are:- April, a pre war scene with B4 5181 approaching March station with a local passenger train from Lincoln. June, a portrait of the Great Central war memorial engine ''Valour'' at Neasden shed. October, a 1950's scene at Wrabness with a J15 performing shunting duties and finally December, a very atmospheric scene on a foggy day at Norwich with 'Claud' 62564 arriving with a local passenger train. Other views around the country feature a 'Bullied' on the turntable at Weymouth, a local train in the lake district, the Nith Valley, Sonning Cutting, the narrow gauge Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, an A4 at Gleneagles and Duchess of Sutherland. The 2018 Rail Art Calendar is in the shops now.

Full size prints on good quality art paper of ''Sandringham at Home'' are available from B17 Steam Locomotive Trust at £65 each + £5 postage and packing. The ideal Christmas present for the discerning Art or Railway enthusiast.

East Anglian 80th Anninversary – September 2017

The 27th September 2017 was the 80th Anniversary of the East Anglian named train from London to Norwich and return. The B17 Steam Locomotive Trust organised a three day commemorative event and the full report can be found under NEWS / EVENTS/ EVENT REPORTS

2017 B17 STEAM LOCOMOTIVE TRUST AGM

The above meeting was held on September 16th in Stevenage. It was a very successful event and well attended, especially by newer members.

In addition to all the formal business required of a Charitable Trust there were several presentations from both directors and members on achievements and events of the previous year.

After the break our Guest Speaker, Mr Alan Hayward, gave a presentation on William Marriott, the Engineer and Locomotive Superintendent of the Midland and Great Northern (M & G N) Joint Railway. This concentrated specifically on his use of reinforced concrete for structures such as bridges and signal posts for both the M & G N and other railways.